Manchester United will have to wait before their new signing, Angolan striker Manucho Goncalves, can make his Premiership debut, with Manucho looking set for a move to Greek side Panathinaikos, who are looking to seal a six-month loan deal for the talented Angolan forward.

The move to Old Trafford for the 24-year-old forward hit a setback due to the fact that he is likely to be refused a British work permit because, under current ruling, he doesn’t qualify due to the fact that he hasn’t played enough games for his country.

24-year-old Manuel Alberto Contreiras Gonçalves - known simply as 'Manucho' first impressed United's Assistant Manager Carlos Queiroz while featuring for his country in the African Cup of Nations in January 2008 and was recently brought to England for trials.

Manchester United thought that they had secured Manucho on a three-year deal his successful trial with the Red Devils.

He has been a prolific goal-scorer for his club Petro Atlético and a key player for Angola, earning 10 caps and scoring two goals to help his country in their successful qualification campaign for the 2008 African Cup of Nations.

But unless Angola reach the finals of The African Cup of Nations in January, he will not be eligible for a work-permit, with the United manager hoping that Angola’s Palancas Negras are successful in the African tournament.

"We hope he does well in the African Nations Cup because, as it is at the moment, he has to play enough games to qualify for a work permit," said the United manager.

"We have had him in for three weeks, and he has done exceptionally well. He has done very well training with the first team and playing in a couple of practice matches."

But today his father Alberto Gonçalves, who is also his agent, admitted that it is unlikely that Angola will reach the finals and that his son will have to play elsewhere until he is eligible for the work permit, with Panathinaikos now the most likely destination.

Panathinaikos manager José Peseiro worked with Carlos Quieroz at Real Madrid and has a close relationship with the Spaniard.

Now Panathinaikos boss Peseiro is very close to securing a six-month loan deal for Manucho, a move that has been confimed by his agent and father.

Alberto Gonçalves, speaking to Greek newspaper ‘SportDay’ confirmed the loan to the Athens side, saying: "Panathinaikos has spoken with Manchester United and I know there is a deal for a 6 months loan."

Angola, who managed to qualify for the World Cup Finals for the first time in 2007, are due to feature in the African Cup of Nations in January, with Manucho's loan-move to the Athens side likely later in the month when Angola's part in the African Cup of Nations is over.

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